In fourth and fifth grade we learn a lot about the beginning of our nation. Jamestown was central to this because it became the first permanent English settlement in 1607. The settlers faced many hardships, including starvation and death, but due to the strong leadership of Captain John Smith and the trade relationships formed with the First Americans, they prevailed and helped "The New World" to become what it is today!

Here are some discussion questions to ask yourself:

1. Who first discovered the new world?

2. Where did Christopher Columbus think that he had landed?

3. What name did he give to the people living in this land? Why?

4. In what year did Jamestown become a permanent settlement?

5. Why did they choose Jamestown as their landing site?

6. What kinds of hardships did the settlers face? Why?

7. What were some of the things that happened that ensured the settlers' survival?